CDrecording must be a dub from his Folkways LP made in the 50s or early 60s.

Lighter, about that familiar sounding melody, I agree. Here's what I hear:

Lines 1 and 3 are almost -- not quite, but the feeling is closely similar to -- the first line of "Foggy, Foggy Dew."

Apart from that, the whole four-line melody sounds like either a barrel-organ tune, or something from the music hall era. Very much c. 1890-1910 in sound. Maybe a mock-sentimental song? Or a late broadside ballad? It's on the tip of me ear...but can't seem to get it.

Can anyone?

Bob